February 2018

Department for Transport (DfTc) statement on publication of The National Archives’ Information Management Assessment report.

The National Archives carried out an Information Management Assessment of DfTc in May 2017. All staff were encouraged to engage with the assessment in an honest and transparent manner, and I welcome the findings which demonstrate many areas of good practice as well as where we can improve further.

I am pleased that the report reflects how important effective information management is to DfT staff, and the range of proactive initiatives underway across the department to achieve it. The report also recognises DfTc’s ambitious programme of work to transform our information management systems and governance processes.

We acknowledge that the report has identified areas where we can improve further. In particular recommendations around DfT’s information management culture and policies are timely as we seek to modernise our technology and working environment. In response to the report work has already begun to develop and deliver an action plan that will ensure our information is managed, protected and exploited appropriately.

We are committed to addressing the issues identified and continuing to improve our areas of good practice. I look forward to further developing close working relationships between the Department and The National Archives during that process.

Bernadette Kelly CB Permanent Secretary, Department for Transport